Small Antique Triner "Ideal" Postal Scale / Tole Stencil Design

Small antique postal scale, black pressed steel with silver/white tole stenciling and red trim, made by the Triner Scale & Mfg. Co. of Chicago, Illinois, circa 1904. This antique scale, with a very decorative stencil design, has a swing arm and spring balance mechanism. It measures up to 2 pounds, in 1 ounce increments, and is designed to show postage for "letters, merchandise, books & cir., newspapers", ranging from 2 cents for a 1 ounce letter to 1 cent for a 4 ounce newspaper. Under the weighing platform is the inscription: TRINER SCALE & MFG. CO., CHICAGO, U.S.A. AND ABROAD, *PAT.* FEB 23, 1904. The scale measures approximately 6.5 inches high, 7 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. It is in good to very good condition, showing less than normal wear for its age, although there are areas of worn finish and a slight bend in the weighing platform. The scale appears to function quite well. The measurement chart, identifying the scale as "IDEAL POSTAL SCALE", appears to be celluloid over paper. About a third to a half of the chart is missing. The outer row of numbers is mostly intact, allowing one to calculate precise weight. Please refer to the 4 photographs for appearance and condition. Shipping / packaging / handling will be $10.00.